AVRAM GRANT is crossing his fingers another battling Portsmouth performance in the FA Cup final can unearth a buyer willing to take on the cash-strapped club.

Although Grant claimed his team deserved to win at Wembley, he was stretching a point somewhat given Chelsea hit the woodwork five times in the first half.

Nevertheless, the Londoners’ reaction would have been interesting if Kevin-Prince Boateng had converted his second-half spot-kick, instead of striking a meek effort that Petr Cech had no problem saving.

Didier Drogba rifled home the winner three minutes later to bring down the curtain on a scarcely-believable Portsmouth season in which they overcame virtually every off-field problem it was possible to throw at them, and still ended up in a showpiece final.

Grant may talk of his desire to remain at Fratton Park, but with debts of £135m and player sales inevitable, the Israeli is unlikely to stick around, with speculation linking him to the vacancy at West Ham.

But Grant believes the spirit in the Pompey camp should convince a backer to contact administrator Andrew Andronikou with an offer for the club.

“If anyone doubted whether they should buy this club they have got their answer,” he said.

“It is a good club with great fans, who will stay with this team for many years.

“I hope someone will come and take this club. If they don’t it will be a shame.

“I have been waiting a long time to see what the future of the club is, if the club wants to do what Newcastle did, keep the players and try everything to continue.

“I am still waiting – not for long because I need to make a decision. But the club is so important, more important than mine.”

Grant tried to console Boateng at the final whistle on Saturday, then offered wider words of praise for his entire squad.

“It is amazing what the players have done,” he said. “It is something that has even surprised me.

“Every week we have had a lot of problems. You cannot even imagine what has happened at Portsmouth this season.

“I have been coaching since I was 18 this was one of the most emotional seasons I have had.”